Researcher(s)

Project status

Completed

Start date: 04/15/06 End date: 04/30/10

Sponsor(s)/partner(s)

Sponsor(s):Iowa Department of Transportation

About the research

Abstract:

The 9th Street Bridge in Des Moines is the first bridge in Iowa that uses a unique integral abutment design. The integral abutments are supported on steel H-piles that are embedded into concrete drilled shafts, which are seated in glacial clay. This unique design was developed in an effort to address environemental concerns--namely vibrations from pile driving--while also providing a long-lasting stucture in the form of a jointless bridge. Although this innovative work is promising, it is unproven and will not become a common option unless adequate testing and monitoring are performed to validate design and behavior assumptions. A total of three pile/shaft elements will be instrumented and monitored over a minimum two-year period.